Is it OK to make fun of religions?

[Sunstone]

It seems that in some societies it's ok to make fun of religions while it is not ok in other societies. So, what are your feelings about making fun of religions? Would a legal or informal prohibition on making fun of religions in your society amount to according religions a special status that few, if any, other institutions in your society are accorded? Would a legal or informal prohibition be a good thing? Why or why not?

Should there by any limits -- legal or informal -- on how much or what kind of fun can be made of religions?

 

[Vouthon]

I think that if people cannot tolerate their religion or philosophy being mocked or made fun of, then they possess a weak or inherently unstable faith.

 

[Sunstone]

I think that if people cannot tolerate their religion or philosophy being mocked or made fun of, then they possess a weak or inherently unstable faith.

That's more or less my impression, too. And not just with religion -- with pretty much anything.

Your point reminds me of a group of fire fighters I once knew. Most of them would freely joke about what huge wimps and cowards they were. But the one guy who was probably lacking a bit in the courage department would neither joke about it, nor take a joke about it gracefully.

 

[sandandfoam]

I'm not inclined to take the **** out of other people religions but consider my own fair game.

 

[fantome profane]

So a Priest, a Rabbi, and a Minister walk into a bar.

They sit down, order a drink, and have a very pleasant conversation.

 

[HonestJoe]

Should there by any limits on how much or what kind of fun can be made of religions?

I don't think religions and the religious should be treated any differently (better or worse) than anyone else in this context. While there is certainly an issue with some religious people raising themselves above everyone and everything else (with blasphemy laws and the like), there is as much of an issue of some people deliberately targeting the religious for levels of abuse that they wouldn't accept against themselves.

That said, if they are going to wear all those silly hats, they are opening themselves up somewhat.

 

[Tumah]

I think it is proportional to how much honor and respect you perceive a given thing as deserving. Something/one you legitimately respect, you won't make fun of. Something you respect so-so, you may crack a joke or two about once in a blue moon. Something that doesn't deserve any respect you'll have no compunction about making fun of them.

 

[sandandfoam]

When I was growing up being of the wrong religion in the wrong place at the wrong time could get you killed.
These things can be very raw with people and maybe it's a hangover of my childhood but I prefer to let sleeping dogs lie - I don't see the benefit of making fun of things important to other people.

 

[Gjallarhorn]

So a Priest, a Rabbi, and a Minister walk into a bar.

The sit down, order a drink, and have a very pleasant conversation.

The bartender restrains himself from asking why the UU leader is talking to himself.

 

[Levite]

I think one is entitled to make jokes about one's own religion. And one should reasonably be able to make jokes about other religions if the jokes are not demeaning and one is known by whoever hears the joke to be generally respectful of other religions, so it is clear that one is just poking fun, not actually mocking.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

I think that making fun of / mocking specific religions should be viewed much like making fun of / mocking specific races / ethnicities.

 

[Debater Slayer]

I think that making fun of / mocking specific religions should be viewed much like making fun of / mocking specific races / ethnicities.

Does this view stem from a lack of belief in free will, or is it based on something else?

 

[Sees]

Definitely depends on audience and appropriate level of tact.

Many people take jokes too seriously...thin skin, touchy, sensitive types. I don't think that is the right way to be, or a smart way to go through life, but try not to sadden or infuriate them too much or too often.

 

[Apex]

I think that making fun of / mocking specific religions should be viewed much like making fun of / mocking specific races / ethnicities.

So only black people can do it?


:run:

 

[Asha]

Namaste

It seems that in some societies it's ok to make fun of religions while it is not ok in other societies. So, what are your feelings about making fun of religions?

Do you want my honest opinion?

making fun of others who ever it is, religion, race, or even of an individual, is a sign indicitive of insecurity.

Dont get me wrong I am not against having a sence of humor, humor can be healthy, but making fun? No it is not ok.

Would a prohibition on making fun of religions in your society amount to according religions a special status that few, if any, other institutions in your society are accorded? Would a prohibition be a good thing? Why or why not?

Who can make a prohibition? And who enforces it? apart from our own inate integrity.

Should there by any limits on how much or what kind of fun can be made of religions?

this is something we should ask ourselves next time we go to crack a joke at someone elses expence,

Why ?

Why are we doing it ?

 

[Revoltingest]

So a Priest, a Rabbi, and a Minister walk into a bar.

And the rabbi asks the bartender, "Hey, did you hear the one about us?".

 

[Vinayaka]

I think it depends on who is involved, and the degree of mocking. If a bully and his victim are on a playground, and the bully is mocking, then he claims, "But 'we' was just having fun", while the other kid is bawling his eyes out ...

So once you feel a sense of hurt in the other, it's time to stop. Here on the internet it's incredibly difficult to read. Who can tell who has a sense of humour or not? We can all bug Revoltingest to our heart's content, because we know him, and expect a whimsical retort, but when it's just a stranger. maybe error on the side of caution some.

 

[1137]

It depends on way too many variables. If we are just talking about plain bullying against religions then it's certainly not something I'm going to participate in - or at least not provoke.

 

[LuisDantas]

If we can joke about politics, then we must be able of joking about religion.

 

[bobhikes]

I'm gonna get up on my soap box.

I don't think its right to make fun of anything or anyone. Words have power and people who say them influence others without meaning to. We can not stop hearing something and whatever we hear can effect us. Ideally we should only put things in a positive light. Always enforcing the good.

Unfortunately I don't think it is possible to stop. We get a high when we belittle others we feel more powerful and believe it is harmless fun.